Thomas is still left with a sufficient force, surplus to go to Selma under an energetic leader.  He has been telegraphed to, to know whether he could go, and, if so, by which of several routes he would select.  No reply is yet received.  Canby has been ordered to set offensively from the seacoast to the interior, toward Montgomery and Selma.  Thomas’s forces will move from the north at an early day, or some of his troops will be sent to Canby.  Without further reenforcement Canby will have a moving column of twenty thousand men.

Fort Fisher, you are aware, has been captured.  We have a force there of eight thousand effective.  At Newbern about half the number.  It is rumored, through deserters, that Wilmington also has fallen.  I am inclined to believe the rumor, because on the 17th we knew the enemy were blowing up their works about Fort Caswell, and that on the 18th Terry moved on Wilmington.

If Wilmington is captured, Schofield will go there.  If not, he will be sent to Newbern.  In either event, all the surplus forces at the two points will move to the interior, toward Goldsboro’, in cooperation with your movements.  From either point, railroad communications can be run out, there being here abundance of rolling-stock suited to the gauge of those roads.

There have been about sixteen thousand men sent from Lee’s army south.  Of these, you will have fourteen thousand against you, if Wilmington is not held by the enemy, casualties at Fort Fisher having overtaken about two thousand.

All other troops are subject to your orders as you come in communication with them.  They will be so instructed.  From about Richmond I will watch Lee closely, and if he detaches many men, or attempts to evacuate, will pitch in.  In the meantime, should you be brought to a halt anywhere, I can send two corps of thirty thousand effective men to your support, from the troops about Richmond.

To resume:  Canby is ordered to operate to the interior from the Gulf.  A. J. Smith may go from the north, but I think it doubtful.  A force of twenty-eight or thirty thousand will cooperate with you from Newbern or Wilmington, or both.  You can call for reenforcements.

This will be handed you by Captain Hudson, of my staff, who will return with any message you may have for me.  If there is any thing I can do for you in the way of having supplies on shipboard, at any point on the seacoast, ready for you, let me know it.

Yours truly,

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

Headquarters military division of the Mississippi,
in the field, Pocotaligo, south Carolina, January 29, 1885.

Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, City Point, Virginia.

Dear general:  Captain Hudson has this moment arrived with your letter of January 21st, which I have read with interest.